FCC greenlights paramount-skydance merger amid controversy
- The FCC has approved the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle.
- The merger is accompanied by commitments from Skydance to enhance the integrity of CBS News.
- The approval has faced criticism regarding media freedoms and potential influences on editorial independence.
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the merger of Paramount Global with Skydance Media, allowing for significant changes in the broadcasting landscape. The merger agreement, made public on July 24, 2025, follows a protracted negotiation period that began in July 2024. Paramount, which owns major properties including CBS, Nickelodeon, and MTV, was under scrutiny not only for its merger dealings but also for legal issues involving former President Donald Trump, who had settled a lawsuit against the company regarding its editing practices during a '60 Minutes' interview. FCC Chair Brendan Carr emphasized the need for change, articulating concerns over the public's trust in legacy media. The commission has welcomed Skydance's commitment to improve the editorial integrity of CBS News, including the hiring of an ombudsman to oversee editorial complaints and the pledge to avoid diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Carr noted the importance of providing a platform for a wider array of political viewpoints, aiming to reshape CBS reporting into a more unbiased and factual service. However, the approval process faced dissent from FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, who condemned the decision as an overreach of FCC power that unduly influenced Paramount to settle its legal disputes with Trump. She argued that the merger's approval occurred under pressure tactics, raising wider concerns about media freedom in America. Gomez maintained that the FCC should protect press freedoms rather than infringe upon them in search of corporate settlements. As the new merger takes shape, the long-term implications on news coverage and the operational autonomy of CBS Network remain under discussion. The FCC's endorsement of the deal sets a precedent for how media mergers may shape the landscape of journalism in the future. With Paramount's ambitious plans ahead, the commitment to changes at CBS News will be closely monitored by various stakeholders to ensure that varied perspectives are genuinely represented in news coverage. This merger signals a significant and controversial shift in media operations, prompting essential conversations about the role of big corporations in shaping public discourse.